Banks named head boys’ lacrosse coach at Pennridge

LB3 Philly coach Kevin Banks has been named head boys’ lacrosse coach at Pennridge.

Banks has deep roots in the Pennridge community, having coached with the Deep Run youth lacrosse program since 2006, from grades K to 8. He also has coached several Pennridge players as one of the top coaches with LB3, which launched in the Philly suburbs in 2005.

“I would say I have coached about 75 percent of the Pennridge High players at one point,” said Banks. “I like the talent and kids we have at Pennridge.

“I think the coaches at Deep Run put in a lot of time and I really will be trying to develop kids the right way. There is some talent there, some really nice kids and a hometown program. There is a good opportunity to be successful.”

Pennridge has struggled in recent years in the Suburban One Continental Conference. Last year the Rams finished 2-10 in the league and 5-13 overall. Pennridge did have a 10-8 season in 2011, but its last winning season before then was in 2005.

“I was very happy when meeting with the AD and principal,” said Banks. “We have very like-minded goals. The chance to create student-athletes and build a successful program was an attraction.

“I know the majority of the parents of the high school kids and I am very comfortable with all of them. I like the support they give to their kids.”

Banks helped Long Island power Ward Melville (N.Y.) reach the state finals as a senior in 1991 when he was All-County. He played at Hobart College and has coached at the middle school level (Southampton, Long Island) and as an assistant at the high school level (Archbishop Wood, PA, under LB3 Philly co-director Jim Beury).

Banks’ brother, former Syracuse All-American Liam, founded LB3. His other brother, J.P., is head coach at nearby Upper Dublin, which won the Suburban One’s American Conference title and reached the District 1 quarterfinals. Another Ward Melville grad, Mark Duncan, is head coach at five-time Friends Schools League champion Shipley School.

Kevin banks understands it will take time and commitment to build a consistent winner at Pennridge.

“That’s one of the things I actually found attractive; the administration and I have the same goal – we want to build a competitive and successful program,” Banks said. “The goal for this year is going to be to make the playoffs. Shooting for anything less is not setting a high enough goal.

“The long-term goal is to build a program that is competitive on a year to year basis that improves with each passing year. We want to be a regular playoff team then. I believe in setting high goals; I don’t believe in mediocrity.”
Banks likes an aggressive team that uses good ball movement.

“I preach to play very aggressive defense and to have an offense that moves in transition with a lot of off ball movement,” he said. “This is a game to be respected. Lacrosse is truly a fraternity and we are to respect the opponent, the officials, the game and ourselves.

“You want kids to learn to play the game the right way. If they do that, they can be successful not only in sports, but in life.”